Latch assembly for motor vehicle closure system having power release mechanism with override/reset

ABSTRACT

A power closure latch assembly with a manually actuatable release link, vehicle door therewith and method of allowing a power actuatable closure latch assembly to be converted for selective manual actuation is provided. The release link is configured to operably communicate an actuator lever with a release lever for conjoint movement therebetween, to provide power-assisted movement of a pawl between ratchet releasing and ratchet holding positions, when the release link is in a “normal” first operating position. The release link is further configured to allow the release lever to move independently from the actuator lever when the release link is in a manually deployed “override/reset” second position to provide spring-biased movement of the pawl from the ratchet releasing position back to the ratchet holding position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/197,747 filed on Nov. 21, 2018 and which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/592,939 filed on Nov. 30, 2017. Theabove applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to closure latch assemblies ofthe type used in motor vehicle closure systems for controlling thelocking and release of a closure panel. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a power-operated closure latch assembly providinga power unlatching feature and being equipped with mechanical pawl resetmechanism to restore ratchet retention function.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

In view of increased consumer demand for motor vehicles equipped withadvanced comfort and convenience features, many modern motor vehiclesare now provided with passive entry systems to permit locking andrelease of closure panels (i.e., doors, tailgates, liftgates anddecklids) without use of a traditional key-type entry system. In thisregard, some popular features now available with vehicle latch systemsinclude power locking/unlocking, power release and power cinching. These“powered” features are provided by a power closure latch assemblymounted to the closure panel and which is typically equipped with aratchet and pawl type of latch mechanism controlled via at least onepower-operated actuator. Typically, the closure panel is held in aclosed position by virtue of the ratchet being held in a striker captureposition to releaseably retain a striker that is mounted to a structuralbody portion of the vehicle. The ratchet is held in its striker captureposition by the pawl engaging the ratchet when the pawl is located in aratchet holding position. In many ratchet and pawl type of latchmechanisms, the pawl is operable in its ratchet holding position toretain the ratchet in one of a secondary or “soft close” striker captureposition and a primary or “hard close” striker capture position. Whenthe ratchet is held by the pawl in its secondary striker captureposition, the latch mechanism functions to latch the closure panel in apartially-closed position relative to the body portion of the vehicle.Likewise, when the ratchet is held by the pawl in its primary strikercapture position, the latch mechanism functions to latch the closurepanel in a fully-closed position relative to the body portion of thevehicle.

To release the closure panel from its fully-closed position, a powerlatch release mechanism is actuated for moving the pawl from its ratchetholding position into a ratchet releasing position, whereby a ratchetbiasing arrangement, in cooperation with the seal loads exerted on thestriker, act to forcibly pivot the ratchet from its primary strikercapture position into a striker release position. With the ratchetlocated in its striker release position, the latch mechanism unlatchesthe closure panel for subsequent movement toward its open position. Inclosure latch assemblies providing a power release feature, the latchrelease mechanism is typically controlled by a power-operated releaseactuator.

A problem associated with some power-actuated closure latch assembliesproviding an ability to release the closure panel from its fully-closedposition can arise if power is interrupted upon moving the pawl from itsratchet holding position into the ratchet releasing position. In suchinstances of power interruption, the power-actuated component(s)responsible for driving the pawl against a bias of a spring member tothe ratchet releasing position are unable to be further actuated as aresult of loss of power, and thus, the pawl can be prevented fromreturning under the bias of the spring member to the ratchet holdingposition. As such, the closure panel is effectively prevented from beingable to be returned to either a secondary or primary striker captureposition as long as the pawl remains disengaged from the ratchet in theratchet releasing position. Accordingly, only upon restoration of powerto the latch assembly is the pawl able to be returned to the ratchetholding position, which in turn, will allow the closure panel to bereturned to a closed or partially closed position.

Accordingly, while current power closure latch assemblies are sufficientto meet regulatory requirements and provide enhanced comfort andconvenience, a need still exists to advance the technology and providealternative features and arrangements that address and overcome at leastsome of the shortcomings associated therewith.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure and isnot a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features,aspects and objectives.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a power closurelatch assembly for a motor vehicle closure system configured to providea manually actuatable override/reset feature.

It is a related aspect of the present disclosure to provide the powerclosure latch assembly with a manually actuatable release linkconfigured to operably and selectively communicate an actuator leverwith a release lever for conjoint movement of the actuator lever withthe release lever, to provide power-assisted movement of a pawl betweenratchet releasing and ratchet holding positions, when the release linkis in a “normal” first operating position, and to allow the releaselever to move independently from the actuator lever when the releaselink is in a manually deployed “override/reset” second position toprovide spring biased movement of the pawl from the ratchet releasingposition back to the ratchet holding position.

It is a related aspect of the present disclosure to provide the releaselink being biased into the “normal” first operating position such thatthe release link remains in bridging relation between the actuator leverand the release lever until acted on by a selectively, manually appliedexternal force sufficient to overcome the bias.

It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to configure therelease link to automatically return to the “normal” first operatingposition from the “override/reset” second position under the bias of aspring member upon restoration of power to the power closure latchassembly and powered actuation of the power closure latch assembly.

It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to provide therelease link being selectively, manually actuatable to move to the“override/reset” second position via selective manual actuation of alever arm.

It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to configure themanually actuatable override/reset feature for operable movement inresponse to manual actuation of a vehicle key.

It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to configure themanually actuatable override/reset feature for operable movement inresponse to manual actuation of a release handle.

It is to be recognized that one possessing ordinary skill in the artwill readily appreciate these and further aspects of the power closurelatch assembly upon viewing the disclosure herein.

In accordance with these and other aspects, a power closure latchassembly is provided which comprises: a ratchet moveable between astriker release position whereat the ratchet is positioned to release astriker, a striker capture position whereat the ratchet is positioned toretain the striker, the ratchet being biased toward its striker releaseposition. A pawl is provided that is moveable between a ratchet holdingposition whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in itsstriker capture position and a ratchet releasing position whereat thepawl is located to permit movement of the ratchet to its striker releaseposition, with the pawl being biased toward the ratchet holdingposition. Further, power closure latch assembly includes a power drivenactuator and an actuator lever configured in operable communication withthe power driven actuator. A release lever is configured in operablecommunication with the pawl, with the release lever being biased awayfrom the pawl. A release link is configured to bridge the actuator leverand the release lever to operably communicate the actuator lever withthe release lever when the release link is in a “normal” first positionto provide conjoint movement between the actuator lever and the releaselever and to provide power-assisted movement of the pawl between theratchet releasing position and the ratchet holding position in responseto selective actuation of the power driven actuator, and to allow therelease lever to move independently from the actuator lever when therelease link is in a manually deployed “override/reset” second positionto allow movement of the pawl from the ratchet releasing position backto the ratchet holding position.

In accordance with a further aspect, a release lever link spring membercan bias the release lever link toward the “normal” first position,thereby facilitating return to normal, power actuated use uponrestoration of power to the power driven actuator.

In accordance with a further aspect, a backup release lever can beconfigured in operable communication with the release lever link to movethe release lever link from the “normal” first position to the“override/reset” second position.

In accordance with a further aspect, the backup release lever can beconfigured for manual actuation independent from the power drivenactuator to move the release lever link from the “normal” first positionto the “override/reset” second position via a vehicle key, such asduring a power interruption to the power driven actuator.

In accordance with a further aspect, a backup actuation lever can beoperably coupled to the backup release lever, with the backup actuationlever being configured for receipt of the vehicle key and for rotationin response to rotation of the vehicle key, wherein rotation of thebackup actuation lever causes pivotal movement of the backup releaselever into abutment with the release lever link to move the releaselever link from the “normal” first position to the “override/reset”second position.

In accordance with a further aspect, a link arm can be provided toextend between the backup release lever and the backup actuation lever,with the link arm being pivotably coupled to the backup release lever tomove the release lever link against the bias of the release link springmember from the “normal” first position to the “override/reset” secondposition in response to rotation of the vehicle key.

In accordance with a further aspect, the backup release lever can besupported for pivotal movement on the actuator lever.

In accordance with a further aspect, the link arm can be configured forlinear movement to cause the pivotal movement of the backup releaselever in response to rotation of the vehicle key.

In accordance with a further aspect, a closure panel for a motor vehicleis provided. The closure panel has an outer panel and an inner panelwith a shut face extending therebetween, with a power closure latchassembly mounted along the shut face. The power closure latch assemblyincludes a ratchet moveable between a striker release position whereatthe ratchet is positioned to release a striker to allow the closurepanel to be opened, a striker capture position whereat the ratchet ispositioned to retain the striker to maintain the closure panel in aclosed position, wherein the ratchet is biased toward its strikerrelease position. A pawl is provided that is moveable between a ratchetholding position whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet inits striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position whereatthe pawl is located to permit movement of the ratchet to its strikerrelease position, with the pawl being biased toward the ratchet holdingposition. Further, power closure latch assembly includes a power drivenactuator and an actuator lever configured in operable communication withthe power driven actuator. A release lever is configured in operablecommunication with the pawl, with the release lever being biased awayfrom the pawl. A release link is configured to bridge the actuator leverand the release lever to operably communicate the actuator lever withthe release lever when the release link is in a “normal” first positionto provide concurrent movement between the actuator lever and therelease lever and to provide power-assisted movement of the pawl betweenthe ratchet releasing position and the ratchet holding position inresponse to selective actuation of the power driven actuator, and toallow the release lever to move independently from the actuator leverwhen the release link is in a manually deployed “override/reset” secondposition to allow movement of the pawl from the ratchet releasingposition back to the ratchet holding position.

In accordance with a further aspect, the release link can be manuallydeployed to the “override/reset” second position via a vehicle key beinginserted through an aperture in the end face and rotated.

In accordance with a further aspect, a method of providing for a poweractuatable closure latch assembly to be converted for selective manualactuation is provided. The method includes: providing a ratchet beingmoveable between a striker release position and a striker captureposition; providing a pawl being moveable between a ratchet holdingposition to hold the ratchet in the striker capture position and aratchet releasing position to permit movement of the ratchet to thestriker release position; providing a power driven actuator; providingan actuator lever configured in operable communication with the powerdriven actuator; providing a release lever configured in operablecommunication with the pawl; and providing a release lever link operablycommunicating the actuator lever with the release lever when the releaselever link is in a “normal” first position to provide concurrentmovement between the actuator lever and the release lever and to providepower-assisted movement of the pawl between the ratchet holding positionand the ratchet releasing position in response to selective actuation ofthe power driven actuator, and to allow the release lever link to bemanually deployed to an “override/reset” second position whereat therelease lever link is moved out of communication between the actuatorlever and the release lever to allow the release lever to moveindependently from the actuator lever, thereby allowing the pawl to moveunder manual actuation from the ratchet releasing position back to theratchet holding position.

In accordance with a further aspect, the method can further includeproviding a backup actuation lever operably coupled to the release leverlink and configuring the backup actuation lever for receipt of a vehiclekey such that rotation of the vehicle key causes the release lever linkto move from the “normal” first position to the “override/reset” secondposition.

In accordance with a further aspect, the method can further includebiasing the release lever link toward the “normal” first position toallow the release lever link to be automatically returned to the“normal” first position from the “override/reset” second position uponpower being restored to the power actuated latch assembly.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the detaileddescription provided herein. The description and specific examples inthis summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will bereadily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by referenceto the following detailed description when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a motor vehicle having a closurepanel equipped with a power closure latch assembly that is constructedin accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the power closure latch assembly inaccordance with one aspect of the present disclosure generallyillustrating the components of the assembly with a ratchet thereof shownin a door closed, striker capture position in latched engagement with astriker of the motor vehicle;

FIG. 2A is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the striker removed therefromfor further clarity;

FIG. 2B is a view looking generally along the direction of arrow 2B ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a pawl lever, a pawl and a ratchetof the power closure latch assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG.2 similar to FIG. 2A with a manually actuatable override/reset featurethereof removed for further clarity of remaining components of theassembly;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 2Ashown in the door closed, striker capture position;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional, elevational view of components ofthe assembly as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 2Ashown in a door open, power actuator release and striker releaseposition;

FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional, elevational view of components ofthe assembly as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 2Ashown in a power loss, door open, power actuator release and strikerrelease position with a manually actuatable override/reset feature ofthe assembly shown in an activated override/reset state;

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional, elevational view of components ofthe assembly as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 2Ashown in the power loss, door open, power actuator release and strikerrelease position with the release lever and pawl lever shown freelybiased back to a rest position with the manually actuatableoverride/reset feature shown returned to a deactivated rest state;

FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional, elevational view of components ofthe assembly as shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 2Ashown in the power loss, door closed, power actuator release and strikercapture position;

FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional, elevational view of components ofthe assembly as shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 2Ashown in a power restored, door closed, power actuator rest and strikercapture position;

FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional, elevational view of components ofthe assembly as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a power closure latch assemblyhousing illustrating the manually actuatable override/reset feature ofthe power closure latch assembly thereof;

FIG. 11A is an elevation view illustrating the manually actuatableoverride/reset feature of FIG. 11;

FIG. 11B is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 11 showing a vehicle keyfor actuating the manually actuatable override/reset feature;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 2A of a power closure latchassembly in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A illustrates the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 12 in adoor open, power actuator release and striker release position, similarto FIG. 6;

FIG. 13B illustrates the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 12 in apower loss, door open, power actuator release and striker releaseposition with a manually actuatable override/reset feature of theassembly shown in an activated override/reset state, similar to FIG. 7;

FIG. 13C illustrates the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 12 in thepower loss, door closed, power actuator release and striker releaseposition with the release lever and pawl lever shown freely biased backto a rest position with the manually actuatable override/reset featureshown returned to a deactivated rest state, similar to FIG. 9;

FIG. 13D illustrates the power closure latch assembly of FIG. 12 in apower restored, door closed, power actuator rest and striker captureposition, similar to FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic top view of the power closure latch assemblyof FIG. 1 mounted to the inner panel and shut face, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of allowing a poweractuatable closure latch assembly to be converted for selective manualactuation during a power interruption to the power actuated latchassembly, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment

Corresponding reference numerals are used throughout the various viewsof the drawings to indicate corresponding components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example embodiment of a closure panel and power closure latchassembly therefor for use in a motor vehicle closure system will now bedescribed more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Tothis end, the example embodiment of the power closure latch assembly isprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully conveyits intended scope to those who are skilled in the art. Accordingly,numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specificcomponents, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding ofa particular embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that the example embodiment may be embodied in many differentforms, and that the example embodiment should not be construed to limitthe scope of the present disclosure. In some parts of the exampleembodiment, well-known processes, well-known device structures, andwell-known technologies are not described in detail.

In the following detailed description, the expression “power closurelatch assembly” will be used to generally indicate any power-operatedlatch device adapted for use with a vehicle closure panel. Additionally,the expression “closure panel” will be used to indicate any elementmounted to a vehicle body portion of a motor vehicle and moveablebetween an open position and at least one closed position, respectivelyopening and closing an access to an inner compartment of the motorvehicle, and therefore includes, without limitations, decklids,tailgates, liftgates, bonnet lids, and sunroofs in addition to thesliding or pivoting passenger doors of the motor vehicle to which thefollowing description will make explicit reference, purely by way ofexample.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top”, “bottom”, and the like, may be usedherein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature'srelationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in thefigures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a motor vehicle 10 isshown to include a vehicle body 12 defining an opening 14 to an interiorpassenger compartment. A closure panel 16, for example a vehicle door16, is illustratively shown pivotably mounted to vehicle body 12 formovement between an open position (shown) and a fully-closed position torespectively open and close opening 14. A power closure latch assembly18 is shown secured to closure panel 16 adjacent to an edge portion 16A,also referred to as “shut face” extending between inner panel 31 andouter panel 29, thereof and includes a latch mechanism 19 that isreleasably engageable with a striker 20 fixedly secured to a recessededge portion 14A of opening 14. As will be detailed, power closure latchassembly 18 is operable to engage striker 20 and releaseably holdclosure panel 16 in its fully-closed position. An outside handle 22 andan inside handle 24 are provided for selectively actuating the latchmechanism 19 of power closure latch assembly 18 to release striker 20from the latch mechanism and permit subsequent movement of closure panel16 to its open position. An optional lock knob 26 provides a visualindication of the locked state of power closure latch assembly 18 andwhich may also be operable to mechanically change the locked/unlockedstate of power closure latch assembly 18. A weather seal 28 is mountedon edge portion 14A of opening 14 in vehicle body 12 and is adapted tobe resiliently compressed upon engagement with a mating sealing surfaceof closure panel 16 when closure panel 16 is held by the latch mechanism19 of power closure latch assembly 18 in its fully-closed position so asto provide a sealed interface therebetween which is configured toprevent entry of rain and dirt into the passenger compartment whileminimizing audible wind noise. For purpose of clarity and functionalassociation with motor vehicle 10, the closure panel is hereinafterreferred to as vehicle door 16.

A detailed description of a non-limiting example of power closure latchassembly 18, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure, will now be provided. In general, power closure latchassembly 18 includes a power release actuator 30, an actuator lever 32,a gear 34 operably connecting the power release actuator 30 to theactuator lever 32, a release lever 36, a release lever link 38 bridgingand operably connecting the actuator lever 32 to the release lever 36, apawl 40, a pawl lever 42 operably connecting the release lever 36 to thepawl 40, a ratchet 44 configured for selective locked engagement withthe pawl 40 and for selective locked engagement with the striker 20 whenthe closure panel 16 is in a closed position, and a manually actuatableoverride/reset feature or mechanism shown generally at 46. It will bereadily appreciate by one skilled in the art that the above componentscan be mounted to and within a housing, sometimes referred to as frameplate 48, suitably shaped for the intended vehicle application, with ahousing cover or frame plate cover 50 supporting and enclosing theabove-noted mechanisms and power actuators. Housing cover 50illustratively includes a first body 108 configured for mounting alongside the inner surface of the shut face 16A, (e.g. housing cover portion50 a is positioned adjacent the shut face 16A), and a second body 109configured for mounting along side the inner surface of inner panel 31(e.g. housing cover portion 50 b is positioned adjacent the shut face16A). Bodies 108, 109 are arranged transversally, or substantiallyperpendicular, to one another, so as to define an L-shaped configurationof frame plate 48 when viewed along a plane perpendicular to both thebodies 108, 109 (e.g. see FIG. 14). In particular, body 108 issubstantially plate-shaped and carries latch pawl lever 42, the pawl 40,and the ratchet 44, whilst body 109 is a casing internally housing powerrelease actuator 30, an actuator lever 32, gear 34, release lever 36,and a release lever link 38 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.It is recognized that the components of power closure latch assembly 18may be distributed within bodies 108, 109 differently, so as to form apower release chain sequentially connecting the power release actuator30 with the pawl 40. While illustratively the power release chain isshown as forming a sequence of activatable elements including actuatorlever 32, gear 34, release lever 36, release lever link 38, latch pawllever 42, for imparting a movement of pawl 40 in response to theactivation of power release actuator 30, other intervening componentsinterconnecting such elements together in the sequence chain may beprovided. Plate-shaped body 108 extends parallel to a first plane P1,configured to be secured to and flush against the shut face 16A. Body109 is positioned parallel to a second plane P2, transversal to planeP1; in particular, planes P1 and P2 are substantially orthogonal and, inthe example shown, form an angle slightly exceeding 90° (see FIG. 14).Body 109 may also be configured to be secured to the inner panel 31,such that second plane P2 is positioned adjacent the inner panel 31.

Frame plate 48 is a rigid component, shown in the non-limitingembodiment as being configured to be fixedly secured to edge portion 16Aof vehicle door 16 and which defines an entry aperture 52, known as afishmouth, through which striker 20 travels upon movement of vehicledoor 16 relative to vehicle body 12. Latch mechanism 19 is shown, inthis non-limiting example, as a single ratchet and pawl arrangementincluding the ratchet 44 and pawl 40. Ratchet 44 is supported forrotational movement relative to frame plate 48 via a ratchet pivot pin54. Ratchet 44 is configured to include a contoured guide channel 56which terminates in a striker capture pocket 58, a closing notch 60, anda cam surface 62 extending between closing notch 60 and a nose-shapedterminal end segment 64. A ratchet biasing member, schematically shownby arrow 66, is adapted to normally bias ratchet 44 to rotate aboutratchet pivot pin 54 in a first, opening or “releasing” direction (i.e.counterclockwise in FIGS. 2, 6A). As will be detailed, ratchet 44 ismoveable through a range of motion between its striker release positionand a striker capture (i.e. the “hard closed”) position, withintermediate positions (i.e. the “soft closed” position) contemplatedherein.

Pawl 40 is supported for rotational movement relative to a pawl pivotpin 68 extending from frame plate 48. Pawl 40 is configured to include abody segment having a latch shoulder 70 that is adapted to ride againstcam surface 62 of ratchet 44 in response to movement of ratchet 44between its striker capture and striker release positions. Latchshoulder 70 on pawl 40 is also configured to engage closing notch 60when ratchet 44 is located in its striker capture position. A pawlbiasing member, schematically illustrated by arrow 72, is provided fornormally biasing pawl 40 in a first rotary direction (i.e. clockwise inFIG. 5A) toward its ratchet holding position. Pawl 40 is shown in FIGS.2-5A and 9-10A located in its ratchet holding position and is shown inFIGS. 6-8 located in its ratchet releasing position.

Further biasing members include a pawl lever biasing member,schematically illustrated by arrow 74, is provided for normally biasingpawl lever 42 in a first rotary direction (i.e. clockwise in FIG. 3). Arelease lever biasing member, schematically illustrated by arrow 76, isprovided for normally biasing release lever 36 in a first rotarydirection (i.e. clockwise in FIG. 4). A release lever link biasingmember, schematically illustrated by arrow 78, is provided for normallybiasing release lever link 38 in a first rotary direction (i.e.clockwise in FIG. 2A) such that the release lever link 38 is biased toremain in bridging relation between the actuator lever 32 and therelease lever 36, thereby bring the actuator lever 32 and the releaselever 36 into operable communication with one another.

In accordance with a non-limiting aspect, the manually actuatableoverride/reset feature 46 is shown having backup release lever 80, abackup knob, also referred to as backup actuation lever 82, and a backuplink, also referred to as backup link arm 84, wherein the backup linkarm 84 interconnects the backup actuation lever 82 to the backup releaselever 80 for operable communication therebetween, such that the backupactuation lever 82 is ultimately brought into operable communicationwith the release lever link 38, as discussed further below. The manuallyactuatable override/reset feature 46 provides an ability to override andreset the power closure latch assembly 18 in the event of powerinterruption, during any operational state of the power closure latchassembly 18, thereby allowing the vehicle closure panel 16 to bereturned from the open, unlatched position to the closed, latchedposition, as is discussed in more detail hereafter. While reference ismade herein to the manually actuatable override/reset feature 46providing an ability to override and reset the power closure latchassembly 18 in the event of power interruption, other conditionspreventing the reset of the power closure latch assembly 18, such as afailure in the motor 86, may be overcome with the manually actuatableoverride/reset feature 46.

The power release actuator 30, by way of example and without limitation,is shown as including a selectively actuatable electric motor 86 havinga drive shaft, shown as a drive worm shaft, also referred to as wormgear 88, configured for meshed, driving engagement with the gear 34. Thegear 34 is support for selective rotation about a gear shaft 94 inresponse to actuation of the motor 86, with the gear 34 having a camlobe 90 configured for driving engagement with a cam surface 92 on theactuator lever 32. As such, when the electric motor 86 drives the driveworm shaft 88 in a first direction, the drive worm shaft 88 causes thegear 34 and cam lobe 90 fixed thereto to rotate in a first unlocking,release direction 96, and when the electric motor 86 drives the driveworm shaft 88 in a second direction opposite the first direction, thedrive worm shaft 88 causes the gear 34 and cam lobe 90 fixed thereto torotate in a second locking or latching direction 98 (FIG. 2).

In normal use, under fully functional electrical operation, the releaselever link 38 is configured to operably communicate the actuator lever32 with the release lever 36 when the release lever link 38 is in a“normal” first position, bridging the actuator lever 32 and the releaselever 36. In direct response to movement of the cam lobe 90 rotating inbiased engagement with the cam surface 92, the release lever link 38provides conjoint and concurrent movement between the actuator lever 32and the release lever 36 to provide electrically power-assisted movementof the pawl 40 between the ratchet holding position and the releasingposition in response to selective actuation of the power releaseactuator 30. On the other hand, during a power out or power interruptioncondition, when the electric motor 86 is unable to be powered, selectivemanual actuation of the backup actuation lever 82 causes the backup linkarm 84 and backup release lever 80 to pivot the release lever link 38out of bridging relation and out of operable communication from betweenthe actuator lever 32 and the release lever 36 to an “override/reset”second position to allow the release lever 36 to move independently fromthe actuator lever 32, which remains fixed, which in turn allows returnmovement of the release lever 36 and pawl 40 from the ratchet releasingposition back to the ratchet holding position, thereby allowing theratchet 44 to be maintained in the striker capture position by pawl 40and the vehicle closure panel 16 to be locked in the closed position inthe absence of power to the power closure latch assembly 18.

In reference to the FIGS., in FIGS. 5 and 5A, the power closure latchassembly 18 and latch mechanism 19 thereof are shown in a fullyfunctional, door closed, power release actuator rest state. Accordingly,the ratchet 44 is in the striker capture, “hard closed”) position withthe striker 20 shown received therein (FIG. 5A). Further, in this state,the release lever link 38 remains biased via the biasing member 78 intobridging relation between the actuator lever 32 and the release lever36. As such, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, upon selective, intentionalactuation of the power release actuator 30, the drive worm shaft 88causes the gear 34 and cam lobe 90 to rotate conjointly in thecounterclockwise first unlocking, release direction 96, thereby drivingthe chain of components including the actuator lever 32, release leverlink 38, release lever 36, pawl lever 42 and pawl 40, such that thelatch shoulder 70 of the pawl 40 is pivoted outwardly and out ofengagement from the closing notch 60 of the ratchet 44. Accordingly, theratchet 44 rotates freely under the bias of the ratchet biasing member66 to the striker release position, whereupon the vehicle closure panel16 is free to be opened. As best seen in FIG. 6A, while in this state,the pawl 40, including the latch shoulder 70, are maintained in biasedrelation out of contact from the ratchet 44 and cam surface 62 thereof.Accordingly, in this state, if the closure panel 16 is moved into aclosed position, the ratchet 44 will not be able to locked in thestriker capture, “hard closed”) position by the pawl 40, and thus, theclosure panel 16 will be unable to remain in the closed position. Assuch, if power is interrupted to the motor 86 of the power releaseactuator 30, absent the override/reset feature 46, the vehicle closurepanel 16 could not be secured in a closed state until power is restoredto the motor 86. It is to be recognized that under a normal, fullyoperational powered condition, upon selectively actuating the powerrelease actuator 30 to allow the ratchet 44 to move to the strikerrelease position, the power release actuator 30 will then reverse drivedirections of the drive worm shaft 88, which then causes the gear 34 andcam lobe 90 thereof to rotate in the second locking or latchingdirection 98, which allows the latch shoulder 70 of pawl 40 to move intobiased abutment with the cam surface 62 of ratchet 44.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, in the event the latch shoulder 70 of pawl40 is unable to return into biased abutment with the cam surface 62 ofratchet 44 (and also latch shoulder 70 on pawl 40 is unable to returninto biased abutment and engagement with closing notch 60 when ratchet44 is located in its striker capture position) during a powerinterruption, as discussed above, the override/reset feature 46 can bemanually activated to bypass the power release actuator 30. As shown inFIG. 11B, a vehicle key 100 can be inserted through the entry aperture52 and into a receptacle 101 (illustratively a corresponding sized slotto receive the tip 103 of the vehicle key 100) of the backup actuationlever 82, whereupon the vehicle key 100 can be rotated to pivot thebackup actuation lever 82 illustrated as arrow B and cause conjoint andconcurrent movement of the backup link arm 84 and backup release lever80 along the directions of arrows A, A′ (FIG. 7), respectively, whichbrings a drive lug 102 of backup release lever 80 into drivingengagement with a driven lug 104 of release lever link 38, thus, causingthe release lever link 38 to be pivoted against the biasing member 78relative to release lever 36 and outwardly from bridging engagementbetween the actuator lever 32 and release lever 36. It is recognizedthat backup link arm 84 may be configured such that a different actionof the key 100 may impart a movement of backup link arm 84 in directionA, key 100 may push backup actuation lever 82 to urge backup link arm 84in direction A, a bias such as a spring being further provided to urgebackup link arm 84 in the direction opposite direction A when notengaged with the key 100. Backup actuation lever 82 is accessiblethrough an access port or aperture 27 in the housing face 50 b and/orframe plate 48. When power closure latch assembly 18 is mounted to thevehicle door 12, access port 27 is aligned with a panel access port oraperture 127 provided on the inner panel 31, illustratively shown asbeing aligned along a common axis A1 (See FIG. 14). As such, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 8A, with the release lever link 38 moved from between theactuator lever 32 and release lever 36, the release lever 36 is free topivot under the bias of biasing member 76, thereby allowing the pawllever 42 and pawl 40 to pivot under their respective biasing members 74,72 to bring the latch shoulder 70 into biased engagement with the camsurface 62 of ratchet 44. Thus, when the ratchet 44 is pivoted againstthe bias of ratchet biasing member 66 via forced engagement with striker20 during a door closing event, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, the latchshoulder 70 of pawl 40 is able to move into locked engagement with theclosing notch 60 of ratchet 44, thereby maintaining the ratchet 44 inthe striker capture “hard closed” position. As can be seen, this occurseven though the cam lobe 90 is preventing the return of actuator lever32 due to the power interruption. It is recognized that other toolsother than the vehicle key 100 may be used to engage receptacle 101.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10A, upon the restoration of power to thepower release actuator 30, the motor 86 is able to drive the drive wormshaft 88 to cause the gear 34 and cam lobe 90 to rotate in the secondlocking, latching direction 98, thereby causing the actuator lever 32 toreturn under the bias of a biasing member, thereby allowing thesimultaneous return of release lever 36, which then allows the releaselever link 38 to return under the bias of biasing member 78 to its“normal” bridging relation between the actuator lever 32 and releaselever 36. In FIG. 12, a power closure latch assembly 118 is shown inaccordance with another aspect of the disclosure, with the samereference numerals as used above, offset by a factor of 100, being usedto identify like features. Many of the components of the power closurelatch assembly 118 are the same or substantially the same as discussedabove for power closure latch assembly 18, including a power drivenactuator 130; an actuator lever 132 configured in operable communicationwith the power driven actuator 130; a release lever 136 configured inoperable communication with a pawl 140 via a pawl lever 142, the releaselever 136 being biased away from pawl release lever 142 and pawl 140,wherein the pawl 140 is selectively moveable via an override/resetfeature 146 from a ratchet releasing position back to a ratchet holdingposition, thereby allowing a ratchet 144 to be maintained in the strikercapture position by pawl 140 and the vehicle closure panel 16 to belocked in the closed position in the absence of power to the powerclosure latch assembly 18. Thus, the discussion hereafter is largelylimited to some notable differences, particularly with regard toorientation of the components respective to one another and theoverride/reset feature 146 of power closure latch assembly 118.

The override/reset feature 146 is shown without a separate backuprelease lever and a backup link arm, but rather, simply includes acombination backup actuation/release lever 182 which serves to functionas both a backup actuation lever and backup release lever, as discussedabove. As such, the backup actuation/release lever 182 has an actuationportion 182′ and a release lever portion 180 having a drive lug 102′configured for operable engagement, such as direct engagement with adriven lug 104′ of a release lever link 138, which is configure asdiscussed above for release lever link 38, thus, being biased by arelease lever link spring member 178 toward a “normal” first position. Afurther notable distinction is with regard to special orientation ofcomponents, wherein the override/reset feature 146 lies along a planetransverse to the plane along which the backup actuation lever 82 lies,such that the backup actuation/release lever 182 and actuation portion182′ thereof lie along a plane transverse to the plane of ratchet 144.Backup actuation/release lever 182 is accessible through a port 25 inthe frame plate 48 along a plane transverse to the plane of ratchet 144to allow tip 103 to engage actuation/release lever 182. Backupactuation/release lever 182 and port 25 illustratively both beingaligned along axis A2 (see FIG. 14). A fishmouth port 125 aligned withport 25 formed in the shut face 16A, illustrated as the being alsoaligned with entry aperture 52 allows the key 100 to engage theactuation/release lever 182 through the shut face 16A sheet metal. Assuch, access to backup actuation/release lever 182 and actuation portion182′ can be provided from within a cabin of the vehicle. For example, amatching port or aperture 33 provided within the inner panel 31 andoptionally interior trim portion 35 may be provided so that the vehiclekey 100 may pass there through and into engagement with the actuationportion 182′ to impart a rotation of the actuation portion 182′ in adirection shown as arrow C. In another embodiment, the actuation portion182′ may be accessible from within the interior vehicle 37 compartmentdirectly through an access port in the housing or frame plate 48. Aperson skilled in the art would recognize that different orientations ofthe backup actuation/release lever 82, 182 may be provided depending onthe angle of access of the vehicle key 100 into engagement therewith, orto facilitate interactions with an inside or outside release levers.

Function of the override/reset feature 146 is generally similar to thatdiscussed above for override/reset feature 46, with various stages ofoperation shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. In summary, FIG. 13A corresponds tothe description for FIGS. 6 and 6A, FIG. 13B corresponds to thedescription for FIGS. 7 and 7A, FIG. 13C corresponds to the descriptionfor FIGS. 8 and 8A, and FIG. 13D corresponds to the description forFIGS. 10 and 10A, with one skilled in the art readily appreciating theselective manual actuation of override/reset feature 146, such a via thevehicle key 100, without need of further description.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, and with referenceto FIG. 15, a method 1000 of allowing a power actuatable closure latchassembly 18, 118 to be converted for selective manual actuation during apower interruption to the power actuatable closure latch assembly 18,118 is provided. The method 1000 includes providing 1002 a ratchet 44,144 being moveable between a striker release position and a strikercapture position. Further, providing 1004 a pawl 40, 140 being moveablebetween a ratchet holding position to hold the ratchet 44, 144 in thestriker capture position and a ratchet releasing position to permitmovement of the ratchet 44, 144 to the striker release position.Providing 1006 a power driven actuator 30, 130 and providing 1008 anactuator lever 32, 132 configured in operable communication with thepower driven actuator 30, 130. Further, providing 1010 a release lever36, 136 configured in operable communication with the pawl 40, 140, andproviding 1012 a release lever link 38, 138 operably communicating theactuator lever 32, 132 with the release lever 36, 136 when the releaselever link 38, 138 is in a “normal” first position to provide concurrentmovement between the actuator lever 32, 132 and the release lever 36,136 and to provide power-assisted movement of the pawl 40, 140 betweenthe ratchet holding position and the ratchet releasing position inresponse to selective actuation of the power driven actuator 30, 130,and to allow the release lever link 38, 138 to be manually deployed toan “override/reset” second position whereat the release lever link 38,138 is moved out of communication between the actuator lever 32, 132 andthe release lever 36, 136 to allow the release lever 36, 136 to moveindependently from the actuator lever 32, 132, thereby allowing the pawl40, 140 to move under manual actuation from the ratchet releasingposition back to the ratchet holding position.

In accordance with a further aspect, the method can further includeproviding a backup actuation lever 82, 182 operably coupled to therelease lever link 38, 138, either directly or indirectly, such as viaan intervening link arm 84, and configuring the backup actuation lever82, 182 for receipt of a vehicle key 100 such that rotation of thevehicle key 100 causes the release lever link 38, 138 to move from the“normal” first position to the “override/reset” second position.

In accordance with a further aspect, the method can further includebiasing the release lever link 38, 138 toward the “normal” firstposition to allow the release lever link 38, 138 to be automaticallyreturned to the “normal” first position from the “override/reset” secondposition upon power being restored to the power driven actuator 30, 130.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements,assemblies/subassemblies, or features of a particular embodiment aregenerally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, whereapplicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selectedembodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same mayalso be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure latch assembly for use with a closure panel in a motor vehicle, comprising: a ratchet moveable between a striker release position whereat the ratchet is positioned to release a striker and a striker capture position whereat the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker, the ratchet being biased toward the striker release position; a pawl moveable between a ratchet holding position whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position whereat the pawl is located to permit movement of the ratchet to the striker release position, the pawl being biased toward the ratchet holding position; a power release actuator; and a power release chain connecting the power release actuator with the pawl, the power release chain having an activated state whereat the power release actuator is in operable communication with the pawl and has a deactivated state whereat the power release actuator is out of operable communication with the pawl, wherein the power release chain in the deactivated state allows the pawl to move from the ratchet holding releasing position to the ratchet holding position.
 2. The closure latch assembly of claim 1 further comprising a manually actuatable override/reset feature having an activated override/reset state and a deactivated rest state, wherein the power release chain is in the deactivated state in response to the manually actuatable override/reset being in the activated override/reset state.
 3. The closure latch assembly of claim 2, wherein the power release chain comprises a bridging relation, wherein the manually actuatable override/reset feature acts to move the bridging relation.
 4. The closure latch assembly of claim 3, wherein the bridging relation comprises a pivotal link moveable between a first position and a second position, the pivotal link being biased toward the first position, wherein the first position corresponds to the power release chain operating in the activated state and wherein the second position corresponds to the power release chain operating in the deactivated state.
 5. The closure latch assembly of claim 4, wherein in response to the manually actuatable override/reset feature moving the bridging relation from the first position to the second position, the power release chain is automatically moved from the activated state to the deactivated state.
 6. The closure latch assembly of claim 4, wherein movement of the manually actuatable override/reset from the activated override/reset state to the deactivated rest state causes the pivotal link to move from the first position to the second position.
 7. The closure latch assembly of claim 3, wherein the power release chain comprises a release lever configured in operable communication with the pawl, the release lever being biased away from the pawl; and an actuator lever configured in operable communication with the power release actuator, wherein the bridging relation is provided between the actuator lever and the release lever.
 8. The closure latch assembly of claim 7, wherein the bridging relation comprises a biased link pivotally mounted to the release lever, wherein the biased link has a first position whereat the biased link is in communication with the actuator lever and a second position whereat the biased link is out of communication with the actuator lever.
 9. The closure latch assembly of claim 1 further including a backup release lever configured in operable communication with the power release chain to move the power release chain from the activated state to the deactivated state, wherein the backup actuation lever is accessible through an access port provided in a housing of the closure latch assembly.
 10. The closure latch assembly of claim 9, wherein the access port is positioned on a shut face of the closure panel when the closure latch is mounted to the closure panel.
 11. The closure latch assembly of claim 9, wherein the backup actuation lever is configured for receipt of a vehicle key and for rotation in response to rotation of the vehicle key, wherein rotation of the backup actuation lever causes pivotal movement of the backup release lever.
 12. The closure latch assembly of claim 3 further comprising a pawl lever disposed between the release lever and the pawl, the pawl lever being biased by a pawl lever spring to impart the bias on the pawl toward the ratchet holding position.
 13. The closure latch assembly of claim 1 further comprising a gear member operatively coupled to the power release actuator, the gear member having a cam lobe configured for abutment with the actuator lever to pivot the actuator lever and move the pawl between the ratchet holding position and the ratchet releasing position in response to selective actuation of the power release actuator.
 14. A closure latch assembly for use with a closure panel in a motor vehicle, comprising: a ratchet moveable between a striker release position whereat the ratchet is positioned to release a striker and a striker capture position whereat the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker, the ratchet being biased toward the striker release position; a pawl moveable between a ratchet holding position whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position whereat the pawl is located to permit movement of the ratchet to the striker release position, the pawl being biased toward the ratchet holding position; a power release actuator; a power release chain connecting the power release actuator with the pawl, the power release chain having an activated state whereat the power release actuator is in operable communication with the pawl and has a deactivated state whereat the power release actuator is out of operable communication with the pawl; and a backup release lever operably coupled to the power release chain, the backup release lever having a rest state and an activated state, wherein movement of the backup release lever from the rest state to the activated state causes the power release chain to automatically move from the activated state to the deactivated state.
 15. The closure latch assembly of claim 14, wherein the backup release lever is not configured to move the pawl to the ratchet releasing position.
 16. The closure latch assembly of claim 14, wherein the power release chain is moved from the activated state to the deactivated state before the backup release lever is returned to the rest state from the activated state.
 17. The closure latch assembly of claim 16, wherein the backup release lever is accessible from the shut face of the closure panel.
 18. A method of allowing a power actuatable closure latch assembly to be converted for selective manual actuation during a power interruption to the power actuated latch assembly, the method comprising: providing a ratchet being moveable between a striker release position and a striker capture position; providing a pawl being moveable between a ratchet holding position to hold the ratchet in the striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position to permit movement of the ratchet to the striker release position; providing a power release actuator; providing a power release chain connecting the power release actuator with the pawl, the power release chain having an activated state whereat the power release actuator is in operable communication with the pawl and has a deactivated state whereat the power release the power release actuator is out of operable communication with the pawl; providing a backup release lever operably coupled to the power release chain; and moving the backup release lever from a rest state to an activated state to cause the power release chain to automatically move from the activated state to the deactivated state.
 19. The method of claim 18 further including configuring the backup release lever not to move the pawl to the ratchet releasing position.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein automatically moving the power release chain from the activated state to the deactivated state occurs before the backup release lever is returned from the activated state to the rest state. 